Code Red – Unhealthy Air Forecast Issued Today for the D.C. Region

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) forecasts a Code Red air day for the metropolitan Washington region: Thursday, June 29. Code Red levels mean the air is unhealthy for everyone. Smoke coming from wildfires in Canada is contributing to the increased levels of fine particle pollution.

COG advises the following health precautions:

  • Sensitive groups like people with heart or lung disease like asthma or emphysema, older adults, and children should avoid long or intense outdoor activities. Consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors.
  • Healthy individuals should limit long or intense outdoor activities.

Residents can check current air quality conditions on COGs or Clean Air Partners’ websites.

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency also recommends the following during wildfire events:

  • Take it easier during smoky times. If you can see or smell smoke, avoid strenuous activities such as mowing the lawn or going for a run.
  • Reschedule outdoor work tasks and activities to a time when air quality improves. If outdoor tasks and activities cannot be rescheduled and must be conducted when air quality is poor, it is recommended that individuals reduce smoke inhalation by:
    • Limiting the time spent outdoors by only performing essential activities.
    • Taking frequent breaks indoors in places where the air is clean, especially during periods with high outdoor levels of wildfire smoke.
    • If you must work outdoors, choosing a mask that will protect you like an N95 respirator mask. Cloth masks will not protect you from wildfire smoke.
    • Using a portable air cleaner in one or more rooms. If you have a central air system in your home, use it to filter the air.

On unhealthy air days, COG advises the following actions to improve the air:

  • Avoid lawn mowing or use an electric mower.
  • Use gas or electric grills instead of charcoal.
  • Fill your vehicles’ gas tank after sunset.
  • Take transit, carpool, or work from home.
  • Turn off lights and electronics when not in use, and follow tips from your electric utility about how to use less electricity to cool your home.

COG provides air quality forecasts and current air quality conditions for metropolitan Washington. It also educates the public about voluntary actions people can take to reduce pollution and the health risks of bad air quality through its Clean Air Partners program, which is co-sponsored by the Baltimore Metropolitan Council.

Community Center Update

All plumbing issues have been resolved, and the building status has returned to normal. Some Recreation programs were impacted today.

The Recreation Department Updates for today (Tuesday, January 24) regarding Community Center programs:

  • Afternoon Addition is canceled for the day;
  • the Game Room and Teen Lounge will open at the regular time for drop-in activities;
  • evening classes will continue as scheduled.

All programs will be on schedule for tomorrow (Wednesday, January 25)

 

MCPS Announces 2-hr Delay for Thurs, Dec. 15 Due to Anticipated Weather Conditions – Morning Addition and Before the Bell Will Open at 9:00am at Both Facilities (Recreation & Community Center)

 

All City Operations will remain on time.

Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), including the MCPS Virtual Academy, will open two hours late Thurs, Dec. 15, due to anticipated emergency weather conditions.

Morning Addition at the Community Center and Before the Bell at the Takoma Park Recreation Center will open at 9:00 am.

 

Takoma Park Alerts

  • Takoma Park Alert will deliver important emergency alerts, notifications, and updates to you by whichever of the available methods you choose.
  • Sign up now to be notified quickly of emergencies, severe weather, unexpected road closures, and other public safety incidents.

 

Inclement Weather is Possible

  • With freezing rain in the forecast, be sure to keep your devices charged & be prepared to report any power outages to your power provider:
  • @MyBGE–  1-877-778-2222
  • @PotomacEdison –  1-888-544-4877
  • @PepcoConnect –  1-877-737-2662

City Offices, Facilities, and the Library and Computer Center will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday

City Offices, Facilities,  and the Library and Computer Center will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday starting Thursday, November 24, through Sunday, November 27, 2022.

There will be no trash or leaf collection on Thursday, November 24, or Friday, November 25. Thursday trash will be collected on Wednesday, November 23, and Friday trash will be collected on Saturday, November 26

As is always the case, the Takoma Park Police Department is available for emergency services 24/7.

We are thankful for our amazing residents and wish everyone who is celebrating a wonderful Thanksgiving.

2022 City Election

Visit the 2022 Election Results page to stay up-to-date on the City’s election results.

We will post regular election updates over the next week. Results will be certified and announced on November 16, 2022.

City Offices and Facilities Will Be Closed Veterans Day, Friday, November 11

 

City offices and facilities will be closed on Friday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

Before Care and After Care is offered on Friday, as Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) are open.

  • Hours of Operations:
    • Morning Care: 7:00 am – 9:00 am
    • Afternoon Care: 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Please note that the Grant Avenue entrance will be the only access point for the Community Center.

 

Holiday Collection Schedules are in effect:

 

As is always the case, the Takoma Park Police Department is available for emergency services 24/7.

2022 Election Day

There Are Two Separate Elections on November 8

  • City of Takoma Park Election
    • The Community Center will be open for voting in the City Election only, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
  • Gubernatorial General Election
    • To vote in the gubernatorial general election voters who have not voted early or by mail should go to their voting precinct to vote in the gubernatorial general election.

The Takoma Park Election for Mayor and City Council is separate from the Maryland gubernatorial election process. Remember to
vote in both elections.